The gastrointestinal system is auscultated to note the presence of bowel sounds.

The abdomen was soft, nontender, and nondistended with normal bowel sounds.

Abnormal bowel sounds may be heard, especially, but not only, if you have diarrhea.

A physical examination reveals abdominal tenderness and possible loss of bowel sounds.

Most bowel sounds are harmless and simply mean that the gastrointestinal tract is working.

Very high-pitched bowel sounds may be a sign of early bowel obstruction.

Many conditions can cause hyperactive or hypoactive bowel sounds.

The following is a list of more serious conditions that can cause abnormal bowel sounds.

He does have bowel sounds, but his belly's tender in the right lower quadrant.

On physical exam, bowel sounds will be absent.